As of the census[7] of 2000, there were 28,118 people, 9,552 households, and 7,154 families residing in the county. The population density was 68 people per square mile (26/km²). There were 10,675 housing units at an average density of 26 per square mile (10/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 88.8% White, 10.10% Black or African American, 1.10% other. 40.6% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 9,552 households out of which 39.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.00% were married couples living together, 11.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.10% were non-families. 22.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.36.

In the county, the population was spread out with 30.30% under the age of 18, 9.80% from 18 to 24, 28.00% from 25 to 44, 19.50% from 45 to 64, and 12.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 97.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,452, and the median income for a family was $37,390. Males had a median income of $26,466 versus $18,238 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,501. About 14.90% of families and 18.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.10% of those under age 18 and 14.10% of those age 65 or over.